The creators of the acclaimed 2D metroidvania FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch surprised fans at the Xbox Partner Preview on November 20, 2025, by revealing Zoopunk, a complete genre shift into 3D hack-and-slash territory. Developed by TiGames using Unreal Engine 5, this prequel takes place decades before the events of FIST, chronicling the origins of Torch City and the First Torch War that transformed the animal metropolis into the dystopian setting players remember. Instead of tight platforming and exploration, Zoopunk delivers Devil May Cry and Bayonetta-inspired combat with multiple playable anthropomorphic animal characters performing acrobatic combos against self-aware mechanical armies. Targeting 2027 release across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, the extended gameplay trailer showcased fast-paced melee combat, cinematic storytelling, and the philosophical conflict between organic souls and mechanical consciousness.
From Metroidvania to Character Action
FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch launched in September 2021 as a gorgeous 2D metroidvania featuring Rayton, a rabbit wielding a giant mechanical fist powered by diesel technology. That game earned critical praise for its stunning dieselpunk aesthetic, fluid animation, challenging combat, and interconnected world design reminiscent of genre classics like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Metroid Prime.
Zoopunk represents a dramatic evolution in both perspective and genre. Where FIST offered side-scrolling exploration with limited combat options, Zoopunk embraces full 3D character action gameplay inspired by Capcom’s Devil May Cry series and PlatinumGames’ Bayonetta. This shift allows TiGames to explore different aspects of the Animal Punk universe while appealing to audiences who prefer spectacle fighters over methodical exploration.
The extended announce trailer showcased combat mechanics emphasizing style, combos, and expression over the measured encounters of FIST. Characters perform juggle combos launching enemies into the air, execute aerial maneuvers linking multiple attacks mid-flight, dodge with perfect timing to trigger slow-motion counters, and unleash explosive special abilities that clear entire enemy groups. The pace and visual flair clearly target the character action audience rather than metroidvania fans.
However, some Reddit commenters noted the combat appears slower and less kinetic than genre leaders like Devil May Cry 5 or Bayonetta 3. Whether this measured pacing represents work-in-progress footage that will speed up before release or intentional design remains unclear. TiGames might be targeting accessibility for players intimidated by pure spectacle fighter complexity while maintaining enough depth to satisfy veterans.
The Prequel Timeline
Zoopunk takes place decades before FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch, exploring the First Torch War that shaped the dystopian world Rayton inherited. This timeline placement allows TiGames to tell an origin story explaining how Torch City transformed from a thriving animal metropolis into the occupied industrial hellscape players remember from the first game.
The conflict begins with the discovery of fire seed energy, a powerful resource that sparks rapid technological advancement. Initially harnessed for progress and prosperity, the fire seed spirals out of control, awakening dormant mechanical debris into self-aware war machines. These sentient constructs, originally created to channel energy, adopt violent behavior from observing their organic creators and establish a mechanical empire bent on domination.
With Torch City descending into chaos, animals from rival factions must unite against the overwhelming mechanical threat. This reluctant alliance forms the core cast of playable characters, each representing different animal species with distinct combat styles and philosophical perspectives. The extended trailer introduced Rayton the rabbit as the protagonist, joined by Braton and Trixie as they infiltrate enemy territory to seize an artifact called the Spark.
The narrative explores philosophical themes about the nature of consciousness and soul. Animals view the soul as innate and inseparable from organic life, while the mechanical army believes souls can be replicated, learned, and transferred between bodies. This fundamental disagreement drives the conflict beyond simple territory disputes into existential questions about what defines true sentience.
Multiple Playable Characters
Unlike FIST which starred only Rayton, Zoopunk features a diverse roster of playable animal heroes, each with unique weapons, abilities, and combat styles. While the full cast hasn’t been revealed, the trailer showcased multiple characters performing different movesets, suggesting Devil May Cry style character switching or separate campaign routes.
Rayton returns wielding swords alongside his signature mechanical fist technology, creating hybrid combat blending melee weapon techniques with powered punches. His moveset appears to emphasize speed and technical combos requiring precise input timing rather than button-mashing.
Braton and Trixie appeared briefly, suggesting they’re either playable characters or significant companions with combat capabilities. The Animal Punk universe contains numerous species beyond rabbits, with FIST featuring dogs, cats, birds, and other anthropomorphic characters. Expect Zoopunk’s roster to similarly represent diverse animal archetypes with gameplay mechanics reflecting their physical traits.
This multi-character approach allows TiGames to explore different playstyles within one game, satisfying players who prefer fast hit-and-run tactics versus those who enjoy heavy slower attacks or ranged combat. The character action genre thrives on variety, with classics like Devil May Cry 5’s three protagonists and Bayonetta’s multiple playable witches demonstrating how different combat philosophies coexist successfully.
The Dieselpunk World
Zoopunk retains FIST’s distinctive dieselpunk aesthetic blending 1930s industrial design with advanced technology powered by steam and combustion rather than electricity or nuclear energy. Torch City features towering factories, exposed pipelines, massive gears, industrial machinery integrated into architecture, and vehicles resembling retro-futuristic interpretations of early 20th-century designs.
The visual style draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s anime films, particularly Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle, which similarly blend whimsy with industrial grandeur. Character designs maintain the cute-but-serious anthropomorphic animals wearing functional clothing and armor that balances charm with practicality.
Environmental variety appears substantial based on trailer footage showing urban districts, industrial complexes, underground facilities, and outdoor wilderness areas. The 3D perspective allows exploration depth impossible in 2D, with verticality playing major roles in level design as players climb structures, leap between platforms, and navigate multi-tiered battlefields.
AI Art Controversy
Shortly after the announcement, concerns emerged on social media about potential AI-generated art in Zoopunk’s promotional materials. TiGames quickly addressed these concerns with an official statement clarifying their position: Every piece we create is an original work, reflecting the commitment and effort of our artists. AI will solely be utilized to aid players in generating user-generated content (UGC) at a reduced cost, including items like vehicle skins and clothing color palettes.
This statement confirms that core game art including characters, environments, and cinematics are hand-created by human artists without AI assistance. However, TiGames plans implementing AI tools for user-generated content creation, allowing players to easily design custom cosmetics without requiring professional art skills or expensive software.
The clarification appears to have satisfied most critics who distinguished between developers using AI to replace human artists versus providing AI tools for player creativity. The latter democratizes content creation similar to how games like Forza Horizon’s livery editor or Halo’s emblem creator let non-artists express themselves.
Platform and Release Details
Zoopunk launches in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. Xbox Play Anywhere support means purchasing digitally on either Xbox console or Windows PC grants access on both platforms. No previous generation console versions were announced, allowing TiGames to fully leverage current hardware capabilities.
The 2027 target provides substantial development time for a team that spent years creating FIST. Character action games require extensive combat system iteration, playtesting, and balancing to achieve the responsive feel and depth that defines genre classics. Rushing development would compromise quality, so the generous timeline suggests commitment to polish.
No specific quarter or season within 2027 was mentioned, leaving uncertainty about whether this means early 2027 or late 2027. Given that the game appears relatively early in development based on work-in-progress footage disclaimers, late 2027 or even 2028 seems more realistic than Q1 2027.
Community Reception
Reddit discussion showed enthusiasm tempered by questions about execution. FIST fans appreciated seeing the Animal Punk universe expanded while acknowledging the genre shift won’t appeal to everyone who loved the metroidvania gameplay. Some expressed concern about whether a small indie team can match PlatinumGames’ legendary combat feel, noting that character action games are notoriously difficult to execute at AAA quality.
Optimists pointed to TiGames’ proven ability creating fluid, responsive combat in FIST as evidence they understand action game fundamentals. The studio demonstrated technical competence and artistic vision through their debut title, suggesting they might successfully transition those skills to 3D.
Skeptics questioned whether the market needs another character action game when established franchises like Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and newer entries like Stellar Blade already serve that audience. Standing out requires either mechanical innovation or exceptional execution, preferably both. Whether Zoopunk delivers either remains unknown until hands-on gameplay footage emerges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Zoopunk release?
Zoopunk is scheduled for 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. A specific date or quarter within 2027 hasn’t been announced yet.
Who is developing Zoopunk?
TiGames, the Chinese studio behind FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch, is developing Zoopunk using Unreal Engine 5.
Is Zoopunk a sequel to FIST?
No, Zoopunk is a prequel set decades before FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch, exploring the origins of Torch City and the First Torch War.
What type of game is Zoopunk?
Zoopunk is a 3D hack-and-slash character action game in the style of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, featuring multiple playable anthropomorphic animal characters with unique combat styles.
Do I need to play FIST before Zoopunk?
No, Zoopunk is designed as a standalone prequel. While fans of FIST will appreciate the shared universe and returning characters, prior knowledge isn’t required to enjoy the story.
What platforms is Zoopunk coming to?
Zoopunk launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store with Xbox Play Anywhere support. No previous generation console versions are planned.
Will Zoopunk have the same gameplay as FIST?
No, Zoopunk shifts from FIST’s 2D metroidvania gameplay to 3D character action combat focused on combos, acrobatic movement, and stylish spectacle fighting rather than exploration-focused platforming.
Conclusion
Zoopunk represents ambitious genre evolution for TiGames, trading the tight metroidvania design of FIST for spectacle fighter aspirations. Whether the studio can deliver combat depth and responsiveness matching genre legends like Devil May Cry while maintaining the artistic vision and narrative quality that made FIST special won’t be clear until 2027. For fans of anthropomorphic animal characters fighting mechanical oppression in dieselpunk cities, the setting alone justifies attention. For character action devotees seeking the next great combo-focused experience, cautious optimism seems appropriate given TiGames’ unproven track record in 3D combat design. Either way, expanding the Animal Punk universe beyond metroidvania constraints opens creative possibilities that a simple FIST 2 couldn’t explore. Just don’t expect this rabbit’s combat to feel like Dante’s anytime soon.